The state of Florida has been semi-jokingly referred to as the Gunshine State. However, they’re not nearly as pro-gun as a lot of people think. They have a long way to go to really be one of the most pro-gun states in the nation. Yet they could make a big step toward that if they were to pass constitutional carry.

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much political will.

Yet political will can be changed, which is why Gun Owners of America put together a rally to try and do just that on Monday.

With empty gun holsters strapped to their belts, around 50 gun rights advocates rallied at the Florida Capitol Monday afternoon.

Led by state Rep. Anthony Sabatini, R-Howey-in-the-Hills, an outspoken conservative currently running for Congress, the group gathered to display their support for relaxed gun laws in the Sunshine State.

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“It’s time that we actually start fighting and expanding our robust Bill of Rights in the United States,” Sabatini said. “And the Second Amendment being, in my opinion, one of the most, if not the single most guaranteed right in the Bill of Rights.”

Sabatini called out his fellow Republicans, some by name, including House Speaker Chris Sprowls, for not doing enough for gun rights.

“We need them to change their tune to fix this travesty by passing constitutional carry, and also repealing the red flag laws here in the state of Florida,” he said.

Sabatini isn’t wrong. Not in the least.

Constitutional carry needs to happen in every single state, but especially in a state like Florida where there are issues with the permitting process.

From a press release sent by GOA:

Gun Owners of America (GOA) and state Representative Anthony Sabatini (R) hosted a press conference today at the Florida State Capitol. They were joined by dozens of gun owners, united to send one message: the Florida legislature must pass Constitutional Carry legislation.

GOA’s Florida Director, Luis Valdes, said “Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried exemplifies the issues with our permit system of being treated guilty until proven innocent, instead of innocent until proven guilty.”

Senior Vice President for GOA, Erich Pratt, asked, “What’s the best reason this Republican-led legislature should pass Constitutional Carry? Because it’s in the Constitution. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed!”

Rep. Anthony Sabatini also concluded, “Floridians should be able to exercise their Second Amendment right without a permission slip from the government. Bearing arms is a fundamental constitutional right… I’m looking forward to … getting this bill passed!”

Valdes is right about the issues, to say the least, and Pratt is absolutely correct about why it should pass. It shouldn’t be necessary to pass a new law, but at least constitutional carry merely restores the natural order, rather than trying to create a new one.

Let’s hope the powers that be in Florida step up and listen.

If not, maybe it’s time for some lawmakers to start looking for a new line of work.